Downtown | Houston Wedding Blog

Holiday Giveaway: Weekend Getaway for 2 at the Magnolia Hotel Houston

‘Tis the season for giving thanks and we are so thankful for our awesome brides,who make what we do such a joy. Now it’s your turn: Tell us what you’re thankful for and you could WIN a luxurious weekend-night getaway for two at the downtown Houston’s chic boutique Magnolia Hotel Houston. You’ll have a chance to relax and get romantic in one of the hotel’s luxurious king bedrooms AND enjoy a lovely breakfast for two. Sound like a perfect weekend to you? It’s simple: Email us us a few words about what you are most grateful for and why. Email entries must be received NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, DEC. 3, and we’ll announce our winner on Facebook on Monday, Dec. 9. Good luck, y’all—and, once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Holiday Giveaway: Weekend Getaway for 2 at the Magnolia Hotel Houston

Photos: Magnolia Hotel Houston

Gray, Pink & Cream Hotel ZaZa Wedding by Serendipity Photography

Imagine discovering that your boyfriend’s mother had known your mother before either of you were born—and had even babysat for you while you were itty-bitty! It’s the sort of small-world coincidence that makes you think some things—Emily and Brian’s true love, for instance—are just fated to be. For the couple’s spring wedding, Emily wanted to honor tradition…but she also wanted some super-chic modern flare, to go along with Hotel ZaZa’s hot new 11^th-floor Grapevine Room. “Sticking with that I choose charcoal gray as our main color and accented it with pale pinks and creams for a romantic touch,” she tells us. There’s so much we love about this effortlessly elegant wedding, from the bride’s handmade “Mr.” and “Mrs.” chair signs (“I highly recommend doing this if you’re crafty and want something unique…and it was fun!”), to the subtly metallic linens, to the fresh and feminine Blooming Gallery floral arrangements, to the ridiculously pretty pink-bow wedding cake from Edible Designs by Jessie. Check out Serendipity Photography’s fine photos of this delightful Houston wedding. And if you’re hunting for a mid-size venue with amazing style and views for miles, definitely check out ZaZa’s 11^th-floor space—it’s an absolute gem. Congratulations, Emily and Brian!

Gray, Pink & Cream Hotel ZaZa Wedding by Serendipity Photography

Photos: Serendipitiy Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Reem Acra ~ Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik & Valentino ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier ~ Cakes: Edible Designs by Jessie ~ Flowers: Blooming Gallery ~ Invitations: Bering’s ~ Venue: Hotel ZaZa

Shotgun Bride (But Not That Kind!) By Steve Lee Weddings

Don’t let them dimples fool ya. Behind that sweet exterior, that gorgeous Judd Waddell gown, that flawless hair and makeup, beats the heart of a hunter. As photographer Steve Lee explains, “During her engagement shoot, Shayla mentioned she likes to hunt and that she might bring her shotgun to the bridal. I wasn’t sure if she was kidding, but to my surprise, she did bring it!” And boy did it make for some seriously stunning shots. Um, as in, photos. Sure, Lee had to scout something fierce to find a downtown spot far away from the eyes of potentially freaked-out onlookers (not to mention keeping clear of cops), but as a fine art photographer who makes it his job to get the perfect shot, that’s precisely what he did. Congratulations, Shayla, and kudos to you for making your bridal session your very own! How about y’all? What personal item(s) would you bring to your bridal shoot to make it a reflection of your unique you-ness? Let us know!

Shotgun Bride (But Not That Kind!) By Steve Lee Weddings

Photos: Steve Lee Weddings ~ Bride’s Dresss: Judd Waddell from Mia Bridal Couture ~ Hair & Makeup: Hilda Kershman

Missed Sunday’s Tea with Jackson Hicks? Here’s a Little Sip!

The Corinthian in downtown’s Historic District is one of the most drop-dead gorgeous venues in Houston. So it’s no surprise last weekend’s tour and tea with venue director Jackson Hicks—Founder and CEO of famed catering firm Jackson and Company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year—was one of the city’s most spectacular bridal events on record.

Floating candles welcomed brides and their guests as they ascended the venue’s regal stairs, led by Hicks, who held forth on The Corinthian’s history and wedding offerings. As if The Corinthian isn’t already amazing enough, top Houston designers lent their talents to dressing the space. Rob Smith of Events in Bloom brought in creamy white flowers and country-French furniture, while Darryl & Co. did up a divine chuppah in tons of cascading blooms. More fabulous flowers, courtesy Bergner & Johnson, adorned the tea tables, where guests nibbled the most delicious cakes, scones, pastries and tea sandwiches this side of the pond. Fashion, too, was at the fore, with luxury bridal salon Ivory Bridal Atelier showing off stunning gowns, accessorized with jewelry from—where else?—Tiffany & Co.

Get a feel for last weekend’s event—and for what your own Corinthian/Jackson and Company wedding might look and feel like—with these terrific photos from Larry Fagala and Nhan Nguyen!
The Corinthian Bridal Tea and Open House

Photos: Nhan Nguyen Photography (top 5 images), Larry Fagala (bottom 2 images)